Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was satisfied but insisted that there are still a lot of points to play for, after his side claimed a 1-0 Premier League win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Their victory underscored the depth of their talent-rich squad which may prove to be a trump card in their pursuit of Premier League leaders Arsenal as they bid to retain the title.

Guardiola, however, believes there is room for improvement as he tries to keep his team focused on the target.

“We struggled a lot in the first half – it was sloppy and slow and without rhythm,” he said. “In the second half it was much, much better from minute one.

“The three points are important, definitely. The players know it. For a long time we were at the top. But we try, we have the FA Cup and Carabao (League) Cup and then Old Trafford (against Manchester United). It’s important for these games, a win today.

“But I said to the players it will not change much. We still have 63 points left to play for so it’s a lot of points but it’s important. I said we have to continue to prove ourselves.

“After four Premier Leagues in five years it’s not easy to push them again and that’s why I’m satisfied.”

The City boss threw on Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez – both guaranteed starters for many other teams – in the 60th minute, replacing England winger Phil Foden and Portugal’s Bernardo Silva.

Within three minutes, Grealish sent in a pinpoint cross for Mahrez to win the match for City.

The victory, against an injury-hit and out-of-form Chelsea, moved City to within five points of Arsenal (44) who failed to pierce Newcastle United’s defence on Tuesday in a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

While Arsenal have put their faith in the relatively inexperienced Eddie Nketiah as the man to replace injured striker Gabriel Jesus, City can count on Argentinian World Cup winner Julian Alvarez should they need a back-up for goal machine Erling Haaland. 

Despite the array of top-name stars at his disposal, Guardiola heaped most praise on 18-year-old Rico Lewis who came off the bench at half-time to replace wing-back Joao Cancelo and helped turn the game in City’s favour.

“This young boy has the ability and quality to not just play good, but to make his mates better. This is so difficult to find,” he said. “Right now, he is fundamental for us.”

Chelsea manager Graham Potter, whose early unbeaten run in charge of the Blues seems a distant memory after picking up only six of the last 24 points available, was left to rue the injuries that have added to his challenge at Stamford Bridge.

England midfielder Mason Mount was a surprise omission from the squad after picking up a training-ground knock and within the first 22 minutes, Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic were withdrawn due to injuries.

Also unavailable on Thursday were a string of players including wing-back Reece James, defender Wesley Fofana and midfield anchor N’Golo Kante.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it,” Potter said. “We want a fully-fit squad and to be able to compete... It’s frustrating for everybody at the moment.”

He added that Mount might be available to face City at the Etihad on Sunday in the FA Cup and hoped Pulisic’s injury was not too serious.

Potter is under increasing pressure – Chelsea now have just one win in their past eight league games and remain 10 points off the top four.

But he said he was proud of his team’s performance, especially after losing Sterling and Pulisic so early.

“It’s tough at the moment I must admit and I feel for the boys,” he said.

“We have to stick together. It was disappointing to lose those guys but the players on the pitch and the ones that came in gave everything and that’s all you can ask for.”

Source: The Straits Times

BDST: 1346 HRS, JAN 06, 2023
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